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Description
Reuse centers and furniture banks are both new concepts to the Czech republic which help to reduce waste and promote a circular way of living. Currently, there are scattered activities driven by either NGOs or individuals who do not cooperate across regions in CZ. Moreover, the understanding of the concepts is very limited. Our initiative has joined existing NGOs who run reuse centres or furniture banks into a Federation network with an aim to enhance its co-operation and leverage their social, ecological, and economic impacts of waste prevention across the country. We aim to set up a community of practice, sharing best practices in the reuse field, and supporting existing organizations in order to make them more recognized and sustainable. Core project activities include: 1. Development of shared strategy in the Federation for period 2022-24 2. Analysis of the needs of local reuse centers and its evaluation (before and after the project completion) 3. Written best practices guide incl. standards of working in reuse centers and furniture banks 4. Promotion of social-economical-environmental friendly business practice - workshops and education across the country with project partners 5. Cooperation with local municipalities and proposal of new ways of working in waste management 6. Communication and PR campaign To complete the project goals, we established a partnership with a more senior organization from Norway, Vollebekk Fabriker which presents an ideal way of collaboration with focus on the triple bottom line of environment, social values and economic growth. We will work together with its director as a mentor on the description of best practices, sharing understanding among diverse stakeholders (incl. municipalities and private waste management companies) and also promoting new models of social-environmental responsible reuse centres. We also plan to become members of european RREUSE network.
Summary of project results
In the Czech Republic, there is a lack of coherence and systemic grasp and support for reuse centre operators. Similarly, there is a lack of furniture banks, which are distributors of material assistance (furniture, household items) and whose network has not yet been built in the Czech Republic. We have taken inspiration from abroad, where these operations enable waste prevention, are a common alternative for donating things and support the social economy. This project seeks to connect and create a network that can communicate the benefits of reuse centres for the Czech Republic.
Today the Federation of Reuse Centres and Furniture Banks brings together 30 inspiring operators of reuse centres across the regions of the Czech Republic. The network serves for mutual mentoring, and members can draw know-how and consultations within the platform to improve their own operations from our partner organisations.
In this way, the Federation is responding to the virtually non-existent support for reuse centre services, developing standards for work in reuse centres and furniture banks so the service can be developed and transferred in all the regions of Czech republic. We worked on two main objectives in the project:
Goal 1: Strengthening the mutual cooperation of active reuse organizations across the country''s regions, offering support and mentoring, leading to improved conditions and sustainability of operations.
Goal 2: Increase awareness of the concept of reuse centres and furniture banks among the professional public and local authorities in cooperation with organisations that will help with the transfer of know-how.
At the end of the project, there is a gradual coherence and systemic grasp of the concept of reuse centres. The format of network where we are sharing know-how improves the interconnection between individual reuse centres, leading to a stronger network. We also aim for better systemic grasp of support and financing from the authorities.
Activities / outcomes:
- Building a network of furniture banks: Reuse federation supports the establishment and development of furniture banks in the country - we led a working group and mentoring, which increased the capacity and skills of organizations. Reuse federation has also directly contributed to the initiation of 3 new furniture banks.
- Stakeholder management: developed relationships in regions and cities in the Czech Republic, where we actively presented the subject of waste prevention and the development of reuse centres. We created a booklet with basic information on waste diversion and the functioning of reuse centres, it is available for download on the website www.reusefederace.cz
- Inspiration from abroad: sharing experiences and best practices from abroad (through partner organizations) which helps to implement effective models of reuse centers and furniture banks in the Czech Republic.
- Promotion and awareness raising: seminars and possibly further development of cooperation with certain regions or cities raise awareness among the professional public and local authorities, which contributes to better support for these projects and their further sustainability.
- The biggest media success was the Circular Cities conference, which we organised together with the Prague Innovation Institute and which brought together representatives of local governments with innovative projects and project partners from Norway.
The goals have been met, the umbrella organization is built and we have a great team that is motivated and dedicated to working with target groups and community development. We have strategic plans and a clearly defined goal and mission - we have built a new organization that has the ability to work with national impact. Another success is the interest from member organizations, we currently have 30 members. We have mapped their needs, gathered feedback and created an action plan of activities based on that feedback. Our aim is to respond to their needs and we also have a group of experts who are ready to share their practical experience and help member organisations by mentoring or consulting. Within the Federation we are striving for a group that is a living community and wants to help each other, we have initiated a network that brings effect and value to its members.
Summary of bilateral results
The Reuse Federation collects know how, which it transfers to the Czech environment and also initiates discussions with key stakeholders. The bilateral cooperation project has been pivotal in contributing innovative thinking and transferring good practice that is unparalleled in the Czech Republic. It brings us unique inspiration and knowledge for future projects and strategies in this area. The project aimed to transfer best practices from Norway to the Czech Republic. The key activity to achieve this goal was a bilateral study tour. The aim was to introduce circular concepts to local governments in the CZ and to initiate the development of similar innovative models in Czech conditions. We wanted to involve as wide a range of stakeholders as possible in the project, therefore we organised a Circular Cities conference and our partner organisation was able to present its Circular centre concept to key councillors not only from Prague. The aim was to present the Norwegian circular models especially to local government representatives, politicians and other interest groups. Nydalen Fabrikker is a project that is currently on hold due to official delays. We addressed barriers but also opportunities in both countries. The partner organisation therefore had the opportunity to actively address a process with us that is transferable to Norwegian practice. That is, activating local stakeholders, working with the political representation and gaining political support. The project has brought constructive discussions, mutual learning, and significant inspiration to booth partner organizations. We plan to continue the collaboration, acknowledging the need for stronger partnerships to drive sustainable initiatives forward. The exchange has prompted the creation of two action plans for 2024. The Czech team will focus on steps for constructing a circular market center either in Ceske Budejovice or Prague, while the Norw. team will outline plans to implement Czech best practices.